Taking my son who is a chef to Paris-where should we food shop and eat?

The best food market to visit for a chef would be Rungis, but you can't just go there. Google for tours.

Much would depend on whether your son is a trained chef (culinary school grad) and how much French he knows.

restaurant:
High end: Le Cinq
Foodie bistro: Chez L'Ami Jean.

restaurant:
High end: Le Cinq
Foodie bistro: Chez L'Ami Jean.

Rue Moufftard has a lovely street market, where you will find a great range of grocery shops. I bought lovely cheeses, some quiche for a meal, fresh vegetables and fruit, wine, bread (of course!). The shopkeepers are helpful if you can attempt a little French. Our afternoon snack each day was sliced baguette which we spread with the most divine goats cheese.

Also, it's simple food, but look out for rotisseries outside butcher shops - they sell gorgeous roast chicken and tiny potatoes that cook in the chicken fat and juices.

He'd probably love the Richard Lenoir market near Bastille or the Saxe- Bretueil market in the 7th at Pl. Breteuil..one of those spelling is right!

RL Thus and Sunday
SB Wed and Sat

Vendors from all parts of France come with their products

Most professions are small worlds.
Does your son work in a restaurant?
It could be that somebody there has a friend or a friend of a friend who is a chef in Paris.
That would be an excellent entrée for him.

The rue Montorgueil market is pleasing to all the senses.

I wonder if he might not enjoy a cooking lesson with the atelier des chefs. They have classes ranging from a 30 minute lunch session up to ones that last 4 hours and you get to eat the results. I have several friends who have done this and they all loved it.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/11/26/a_french_twist_on_fast_food_for_lunch/

My husband and I had the most amazing dinner at Dominique Bouchet, www.dominique-bouchet.com. Reservations are a must.

Lovely, cozy dining room, open kitchen. Chef Dominique Bouchet used to be at the Crillon and Tour d'Argent. He serves fine, classical cuisine that (according to Michelin) "....may be too tame for some but is indisputably the work of a master." "Meals progress without a false note...like a long and peaceful river."

Wonderful selection of quality wines by the glass.

When we were there the Chef came out and greeted each table and sat with friends for the rest of the evening.

The wait staff couldn't have been more helpful with the menu! They were very patient with us as we had many questions and speak little to no French.

Just an all around memorable evening.

I can't help you, however I hope your son posts back with his view on the "real Paris" food and resturants. We are planing a fall trip, and always have trouble picking resturants. We are budget travelers, but still enjoy some fine dining along the way.

He may just find something here. We are headed for L'Estaminet, 116 Rue Oberkampf for an evening meal during our stay in May. They say this is Paris as it should be.
http://www.frenchfling.com/?p=81